Baby neck floats - what do you think?

Hello, I'm after your opinions. Some of my friends (abroad) use a swimming ring for newborns + , it's an inflatable ring that is around the baby's neck. Baby is 'swimming' with this ring in the bath full of water. They swear by this ring and quote a lot of health benefits. Did anyone of you, mummies, try one for your baby? What do you think of it? I have never seen anything like this in the shops here! I don't really like the idea of my baby's neck being in that ring and just kick his legs/arms... Just wanted to hear some more opinions! thanks

It's not a swimming ring, I hate these more than arm bands! It is at best a float and there are far better ways to support baby - a swim seat/ring or even mum or dad

It isn't teaching baby to swim as they are in completely the wrong position.
It keeps their arms and hands away from their face, even the most relaxed babies like to suck and chew at their hands for comfort or just while they process things.
Not sure of the health benefits - being in water and "swimming" has many benefits but again there are far better ways. If they're talking about strengthening spine then again surely there are better ways than supporting them by the weakest and least developed part!

Hi, i'm not keen on them as well, what my friends say about health benefits is that 15 min. or 20min. 'swimming' activity in the bath with that ring helps the lungs to clear of all dust etc. and then babies sleep better. they say babies enjoy them as well. Also they claim by setting the water temperature about 36-37 apparantely helps the baby to become stronger and catch less illnesses etc.

Neck Floats Saved Me

Originally Posted by Katia A

Hello, I'm after your opinions. Some of my friends (abroad) use a swimming ring for newborns + , it's an inflatable ring that is around the baby's neck. Baby is 'swimming' with this ring in the bath full of water. They swear by this ring and quote a lot of health benefits. Did anyone of you, mummies, try one for your baby? What do you think of it? I have never seen anything like this in the shops here! I don't really like the idea of my baby's neck being in that ring and just kick his legs/arms... Just wanted to hear some more opinions! thanks

Neck floats truly are wonderful. They do look uncomfortable. They are very comfortable. I tried my sons neck float on and hung in 10 ft of water I was very relaxed. This idea came to my family through my sons physical therapist. My family and I are huge water fans. We try to spend as much time in the water as possible. The problem we had is that my son has Cerebral Pulsy and is not very mobile. When I put his neck float on. His C.P. seems to disappear. He is extremely happy and kicks and splashes, and he has a continuous smile on his face. The only time his smile goes away is when we take him out of the water. We have also tried the float on our nieces and nephews with no disabilities. They all seem to enjoy it. The float gives them the freedom to swim and be free in the water. It makes them feel like the big kids. It also help to improve the natural motions of swimming with little restriction. I highly recommend this to any family's who like to swim. Whether you have a child with disabilities or not it is a great device. Happy Swimming!

Neck float & disability

Originally Posted by Todd M(7)

Neck floats truly are wonderful. They do look uncomfortable. They are very comfortable. I tried my sons neck float on and hung in 10 ft of water I was very relaxed. This idea came to my family through my sons physical therapist. My family and I are huge water fans. We try to spend as much time in the water as possible. The problem we had is that my son has Cerebral Pulsy and is not very mobile. When I put his neck float on. His C.P. seems to disappear. He is extremely happy and kicks and splashes, and he has a continuous smile on his face. The only time his smile goes away is when we take him out of the water. We have also tried the float on our nieces and nephews with no disabilities. They all seem to enjoy it. The float gives them the freedom to swim and be free in the water. It makes them feel like the big kids. It also help to improve the natural motions of swimming with little restriction. I highly recommend this to any family's who like to swim. Whether you have a child with disabilities or not it is a great device. Happy Swimming!

Hi Todd
My little boy is quad CP and whilst searching for a neck float I came across your post! My little boy is 3 but most of the neck floats I have seen are for babies up to 18 months! Can you recommend one please & let me no if you can get them in UK for older kids.